Summer is a great time to travel, longer days, the kids are out of school…but it can also be the busiest and most stressful time to travel, if you are not prepared. By planning ahead, packing smart, and using helpful mobile apps you can avoid the hassle and stress of being caught unprepared.
Tips before you leave…
Don’t share with everyone– Take your privacy settings off public for Facebook and other social media you share- this could potentially put your home at risk for a break-in or vandalism
Notify your bank– It’s important to notify your bank and credit card companies that you’ll be traveling so they don’t put a freeze on your cards when they see out of the ordinary charges, it can flag your card as possibly stolen
Leave your itinerary with family– it’s a good idea to leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home in case an emergency should occur. If you do not have family close you can hire a home sitter
Bring extra medication– In case you are delayed for a couple of extra days
Update passports– Do you need a passport? Make sure you allow enough time to process or update
Hold your mail– You don’t even have to visit your local post office to submit a hold mail request. You can easily do it through the USPS web site
Shop online deals early- Shopping for online travel deals and comparing prices far in advance to your departure can ensure a much better price on plane tickets, hotels and rental cars
If your destination is too expensive- stay “close” for a deal– Hotels right in the city you want to stay in can be pricier than staying a mile or two away
Pack and stack luggage smartly– Do not obstruct mirrors and windows by stacking luggage to high- don’t over pack leaving no room for all of your bags- don’t over load the car with too much weight on one side- if flying remember the 3-1-1 rule (3 oz or less- 1 quart size bag per 1 passenger)
Be a prepared parent – bring activities to keep the kids busy like tablets, books and dvd players.-Pack snacks and drinks to avoid crabby back seat complainers- Don’t forget extra napkins or diapers that are within your reach
Make a packing list– Going over your list the day before you leave with ensure you do not forget anything
Tips for the road…
No texting while driving– Have your copilot do it for you
Use GPS and a map– Map out itinerary- know your route- be prepared for traffic and construction
Stop often– Avoid hunger and fatigue- and when you see lower gas prices
Leave early in the morning or late at night– Get a head start on traffic- especially if you are leaving on a weekday- avoid rush hour
Some of the best travel apps for 2015….
Instagram – A fun way to share your life with friends and family. Also create amazing time lapse videos on your iPhone with Hyperlapse from Instagram
Localeur – A community of locals who help you experience the best places to eat, drink, and play
Pinterest – A visual discovery tool for travel
Trover- Members share pictures, tips and inspirations from their travels
Skype – Requires wifi but it eliminates those nasty roaming charges on your mobile with affordable calls anywhere
Around ME – Locate hospitals, bars, gas stations and restaurants within miles of wherever you are at
XE– Currency converter helps you with the current exchange rates and even offers banking services
Your vacation is supposed to be a time to relax and enjoy yourself. Don’t get stressed or aggravated over the little things. Be a prepared traveler and you will enjoy smooth sailing, no matter where you go this year.
To save wear and tear on your own car, consider renting a car from All Star Travel. We have great rates no matter where you go, and our customers love us. Follow our Blog for more helpful travel tips and outstanding vacation destinations.